Martyn’s Law is the name officially given to the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, landmark UK legislation designed to improve security and preparedness at publicly accessible venues. The law was introduced following the tragic attack at the Manchester Arena in 2017, where 22 people lost their lives.
The campaign for stronger venue protection was led by Figen Murray, whose son Martyn Hett was among those killed. Her tireless work resulted in new legal duties aimed at ensuring venues and public spaces are better prepared to respond to terrorist threats.
Prior to this legislation, there was no consistent legal requirement for venues to assess and prepare for the risk of terrorism. While many organisations voluntarily implemented security measures, standards varied significantly.
The attack at Manchester Arena highlighted gaps in preparedness, training, and coordinated response planning. Martyn’s Law aims to close these gaps by making counter-terrorism preparedness a legal responsibility rather than a discretionary measure.
The core principle is simple: Public safety should be proactively planned — not reactively address.
The legislation applies to publicly accessible locations across the UK, including:
The requirements are tiered, meaning obligations depend on venue capacity.
Standard Tier (Smaller Venues)
Premises with a capacity above a defined minimum threshold must:
This ensures even smaller venues have considered evacuation procedures, lockdown arrangements, and emergency communication protocols.
Enhanced Tier (Larger Venues)
Larger venues with higher capacity thresholds face more robust requirements, including:
These organisations must demonstrate structured preparedness and governance oversight.
Compliance is expected to be proportionate and risk-based. It does not necessarily require expensive physical security installations but focuses on:
For many organisations, compliance will involve:
Importantly, Martyn’s Law aligns closely with existing safety frameworks, including fire safety, health and safety, and business continuity planning.
Enforcement and Penalties
The legislation provides for a regulatory body to oversee compliance. Failure to comply may result in enforcement notices, fines, or further sanctions, particularly for larger premises in the enhanced tier.
However, the government has emphasised a supportive and educative approach during early implementation phases, recognising that many venues will need guidance to adapt.
For business owners, facilities managers, and duty holders, Martyn’s Law represents a shift in responsibility. Terrorism preparedness is no longer optional — it is a statutory obligation.
Organisations should begin by:
Early preparation will ensure smoother compliance and, most importantly, enhanced protection for staff, visitors, and the wider public.
A Lasting Legacy
Martyn’s Law is ultimately about safeguarding communities and honouring the memory of those lost. By embedding preparedness into law, the UK aims to create safer public spaces while ensuring lessons from the past translate into meaningful change for the future.
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